Naoki Fujioka, a Japanese chef who has been running weekly pop-up events at venues across the North East, hopes they will continue despite his return to Tokyo. He started kasasagi events in August last year, bringing traditional Japanese food to venues including Baba Yaga's in Whitley Bay, Scott and Wilson noodle bar in North Shields, and Dunston Staiths.
A Newcastle United fan since his first match
The 27-year-old arrived in Newcastle in September 2024 after months of planning. He became a huge Newcastle United fan after attending his first ever football match when the Magpies toured Japan ahead of the 2024/25 season. He told ChronicleLive: "It was my first time watching Newcastle United and my first football game in a stadium. I had never watched football before, not even J1 (the Japanese J-League)." He added: "I had already decided I was coming here prior to that, but that gave me more momentum."
From sushi chef to pop-up pioneer
On arrival, Naoki worked as a sushi chef at Sainsbury's and city centre restaurant Maki and Ramen. However, he turned his attention to his kasasagi venture as he wanted to "give something in return" after feeling so warmly welcomed in the North East. He started by handing out free onigiri (rice balls with a filling) at Monument, and has since grown to serve ramen, katsu, and other dishes from a handful of venues, advertising everything through his Instagram page. In that time, he has built up a community of Geordies who love Japanese food and culture.
He said: "When I was working in these jobs, I met many local people who had been to Japan before. I didn't know how much potential Japanese culture and food would have." He added: "They have enjoyed it (the food) and it's emotional because even people who haven't been to Japan will tell me it's like what they have seen on social media."
Visa expiry and the future
Naoki's regulars have been left disappointed after finding that his UK visa expires on Wednesday, August 5, and he will return home to Tokyo. He said: "It's bittersweet because of course I want to meet my friends in Tokyo. But I have enjoyed living here very much and I'm very sad to be leaving." Though Naoki is leaving, his friend Rin Akiyama will continue kasasagi events until his visa expires in 2027. But that doesn't necessarily mean the end of the events, with Naoki adding: "I have a good relationship with friends and the venues and the communities. I'm still learning about visas so if I can find another way I will definitely try to come back to Newcastle."
Last event tonight
Tonight, Naoki is hosting his last kasasagi evening at Baba Yaga's in Whitley Bay from 5pm, with a full menu of Japanese food and special lemon cocktails. For more information, visit upon_time_ncl on Instagram.
